Ever wonder why some US cities have such strange names? America’s map is dotted with places that make you do a double-take. From Candy Kitchen to Rough and Ready, these oddly named towns have stories as unique as their monikers. I skimmed the history books to uncover the stories behind 15 of the most unusually named cities in the country. Some got their names from local legends, while others resulted from simple mix-ups.
Peculiar, Missouri
Peculiar got its name due to a postal mix-up. When the town applied for a post office in the 1860s, they were told to pick a unique name. After several rejections, the postmaster wrote back saying, “We suggest you choose a name peculiar to yourself.” The townspeople took this advice literally. They embraced the quirky name, and it stuck.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
This city changed its name in 1950 to win a radio contest. The popular game show “Truth or Consequences” promised to air their program from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs, New Mexico, jumped at the chance. The citizens voted to change the name, and the show’s host, Ralph Edwards, visited the town every year for the next 50 years.
Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Despite its eyebrow-raising name, Intercourse has innocent origins. It was named in the 1800s, when “intercourse” simply meant “fellowship” or “social interaction.” The town was a busy trading center where people would meet and chat. Some think it might also refer to the intersection of two major roads. Today, the Amish community embraces the name, seeing it as a reminder of their close-knit lifestyle.
Boring, Oregon
Boring isn’t actually boring at all. It was named after William H. Boring, an early resident who fought in the Civil War. The town has embraced its dull-sounding name with humor. In 2012, Boring formed a partnership with the Scottish village of Dull, creating the “League of Extraordinary Communities.” They were later joined by Bland Shire in Australia, proving that even “boring” places can have fun.
Chicken, Alaska
Chicken got its name because its founders couldn’t spell “ptarmigan.” The ptarmigan is a bird common in the area, and the settlers wanted to name their town after it. However, unsure of the correct spelling, they decided to go with “Chicken” instead. This tiny town, with a population of about 7, has become a quirky tourist spot, known for its sense of humor about its fowl name.
Toad Suck, Arkansas
Toad Suck’s unusual name dates back to the steamboat era on the Arkansas River. Local lore says steamboat crews would dock near a tavern, where they would “suck on the bottle ’til they swell up like toads,” giving the area its quirky name. Today, this unincorporated community in Perry County is best known for hosting the annual Toad Suck Daze festival, which celebrates the town’s unique history. Visitors can often spot the town’s eye-catching welcome sign or enjoy views of the nearby Toad Suck Ferry Lock and Dam, both popular photo opportunities for tourists intrigued by the peculiar name.
Rough and Ready, California
This town was named after President Zachary Taylor’s nickname, “Old Rough and Ready.” It was founded during the California Gold Rush by a group of miners from Wisconsin who were fans of Taylor. The town has a rebellious history, too. In 1850, it briefly seceded from the Union to avoid mining taxes, calling itself “The Great Republic of Rough and Ready.” They rejoined three months later.
Why, Arizona
Why got its unusual name from the Y-shaped intersection of two highways. The founders wanted to call it “Y,” but Arizona law required town names to have at least three letters. So, they simply spelled out the word “Why.” The tiny desert community has embraced its questioning name, often using the slogan “The Y Not Town” in local promotions.
Pie Town, New Mexico
Pie Town earned its delicious name in the 1920s. A man named Clyde Norman opened a small pie shop along U.S. Route 60, selling dried apple pies to travelers. The pies became so popular that people started calling the area “Pie Town.” The name stuck, and today the town celebrates its heritage with an annual Pie Festival. Visitors can still enjoy homemade pies at local cafes.
Sandwich, Massachusetts
Sandwich wasn’t named after the food. It was named in honor of the English town of Sandwich in Kent. The name comes from the Old English word “sandwic,” meaning “sandy place.” Founded in 1637, it’s the oldest town on Cape Cod. Despite not being named for the food, Sandwich has embraced its connection to the lunchtime favorite, holding an annual SandwichFest celebration.
Unalaska, Alaska
Despite its name, Unalaska has nothing to do with not being Alaska. It’s actually a mispronunciation of the Aleut word “Ounalashka,” meaning “near the peninsula.” The island has been home to Unangan people for thousands of years. Today, Unalaska is known for its beautiful scenery and as a major fishing port, featured in the TV show “Deadliest Catch.”
Embarrass, Minnesota
Embarrass got its name from French fur traders who found the area difficult to travel through. They called it “Embarras,” which means “to hinder with obstacles” in French. Over time, the spelling changed to match the English word. The town is known for its extremely cold winters and has recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the contiguous United States.
Hell, Michigan
Hell got its fiery name in the 1840s. One story says that when Michigan became a state, founder George Reeves was asked what he thought the town should be called. He reportedly replied, “I don’t care, you can name it Hell for all I care.” Another tale suggests the name came from the “hell-like” conditions early settlers faced in the swampy area. Today, Hell embraces its devilish name, especially around Halloween.
Cut and Shoot, Texas
Cut and Shoot got its unusual name from a dispute in 1912. The argument was over the design of a new steeple for the town’s church, the use of the building by various religious groups, and the issue of who would be allowed to preach there. As the discussion heated up, a small boy at the scene reportedly said, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!” This statement was overheard by several in attendance, and later quoted in the local press. It soon became associated with the town.
Coolidge, Arizona
While Coolidge isn’t as unusual as some other names on our list, it has an interesting history and is more likely to have images available. The city was founded in 1925 and named after Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States. It’s known for its rich agricultural heritage and the nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, an ancient Hohokam farming community. You can find images of the city’s welcome sign, downtown area, and especially the impressive Casa Grande Ruins, which make for eye-catching blog illustrations.
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